Overthinking and anxiety

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share something I’ve been struggling with, especially around making decisions. It’s really hard for me to feel confident in the choices I make, even when I know what the right thing is. I constantly find myself needing validation from others—whether it’s about something small or something really important. For example, at my job, I might know exactly what I’m doing and have done it right a bunch of times, but I still feel the need to double-check with someone or ask if it’s okay. It’s like this fear kicks in, and I start imagining worst-case scenarios—like what if I mess up and someone gets hurt, and then I get blamed or even end up in jail or prison. I know that sounds extreme, but these thoughts just come automatically, and they feel so real in the moment. This has been going on for maybe a year or two now. Even outside of work, the same thing happens. Like recently, I’ve been trying to figure out a gym schedule—my girlfriend wants to go with me, and I’m trying to plan the times and make it all work. But instead of just choosing what works best for me, I overthink it. I go back and forth in my head, and I ask other people what they think, even though deep down I know this is something I should be deciding for myself. It’s my life, but I still need that reassurance from others, and I don’t really know why. It’s exhausting to always doubt myself and to feel like one wrong choice could lead to something terrible. I’m trying to work through it, but I just wanted to put it out there and see if anyone else deals with this or has advice. Thanks for reading.

JohnG

Date posted: 33w

Second guessing myself is something I struggle with daily as well. This is a very common experience for people with OCD as we tend to feel a greater need for certainty in our lives. Without that certainty, our minds tell us that worst case scenarios will occur. However, our minds will also never accept that anything is 100% certain or good enough, regardless of what we do, in an effort to try to get us to do compulsions. My advice would be to practice Exposure and Response Prevention. It can feel very daunting and even counterintuitive at times, but trust the process and you'll begin to see progress in your daily life.

Baboso250!

Date posted: 33w

@JohnG Man, I really appreciate you sharing that. It’s crazy how much I relate to everything you said—especially the need for certainty. My brain always wants 100% proof or reassurance, and when I don’t get it, I spiral and start overthinking everything. I’ve heard of ERP before but never fully understood it like that. The way you broke it down makes it click more. I know it won’t be easy, but I think it’s time I try to face some of these thoughts head-on instead of always trying to ‘fix’ or avoid them. Thanks for the reminder to trust the process—it helps more than you probably know

JohnG

Date posted: 33w

@Baboso250! Glad I could help. Always feel free to reach out. You'll find that others in this app want to help and genuinely understand what you're going through.

Tea and Honey

Date posted: 33w

I have a super hard time with decision-making because of the OCD, so I can relate!!!! It sounds like the OCD is really putting a damper on how you want to live your life. This is where ERP could really make a big difference. Have you tried applying ERP to these situations? I think what that would look like would mean that you go ahead and make decisions about work or the gym, even though you feel anxious that they might be the wrong decisions. Then you have to ride out t hee anxiety, even though it feels sooo icky. But the more you practice the easier it will get. I would try to be a little strict, and tell yourself that you are just going to make the decision, even though your brain 🧠 is screaming at you that is not safe. Just keep practicing! You won’t be perfect, but you will be journeying in the right direction, and soon it will get easier and easier. :):)

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